When camping in Banff National Park it is best to obey the rules for having fires and open alcohol, otherwise you could face a court appearance and multiple fines.
That is what several campers who broke the rules found out recently when they appeared in Canmore Provincial Court and pleaded guilty to contravening the regulations of the National Parks Act, which is what park wardens charge people with who break the rules.
Judge Les Grieve issued $250 and $200 fines for three people who pleaded guilty to separate charges of having a fire after 11 p.m. when they are prohibited, drinking during a liquor ban and camping illegally.
Margaret Omand entered her plea in relation to being caught at a Banff campground after 11:30 p.m. on June 20 with a fire still going and alcohol being consumed.
Crown prosecutor R. Jeremy Newton told the judge that along with fires, alcohol consumption is prohibited after 11 p.m. and on long weekends in national park campgrounds.
He said Omand accepted responsibility for those at the campsite that night and “perhaps she can pass the hat around with her friends” to pay the two $200 fines.
Emmanuel Yagi pleaded guilty for illegal camping on the August long weekend in 2014 and received two $250 fines for not having a backcountry camping permit or a permit for a fire.
Yagi failed to appear for his court date last year and was subsequently charged with failing to appear, which carries a criminal record. Newton recommended the charge be dropped as a result of the guilty plea.
James Hollett pleaded guilty to having open alcohol at a Lake Louise campground on the May long weekend and received a $200 fine.
